Dear Editor:

I'd like to correct a presumption made by Richard Plunkett in his recent letter (“Thrilled about Kenniston effort,” Sept. 18 edition).

The Boothbay Region Historical Society is in no way involved with saving the Kenniston house at Boothbay Center.

I'm associated in people's minds with the historical society, and I'm helping those who are raising funds to move the Kenniston house. But I'm doing so as an individual with knowledge of local history.

The historical society is a local history organization, not a preservation society with a role of saving buildings. The society displays artifacts, has events and talks, and maintains an enviable reference room. By far our biggest role is answering questions about Boothbay history. We don't beat the drum for anything with the general public; we help those with an interest and curiosity.

The leaders of the Kenniston house effort are careful to quote my historical comments as an individual, not as a historical society representative. I tell everyone who is interested that I'm acting on my own.

While I believe the Kenniston house effort is worthwhile and deserving of help and donations, I don't presume that others should agree with me, nor do I presume to tell others how to spend their money for that or any other cause.

Barbara Rumsey

East Boothbay